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The Beauty of Saying “No”
What a great writing prompt! I’ve come a long way with being able to say no, but it’s been a steep climb. Before, I was afraid to say “no” because I strove to please. I’m sure this was programmed into me as a child. How can I belong if I don’t bend over backwards to do others’ wishes? Oh, right. The belonging comes from being myself, and having healthy boundaries is essential to knowing who I am. Now, as a mother, saying “no” to my children means I have to get creative, often not using the word at all. “No” can be a gentle deflection, an invitation for tomorrow, or…
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Whatever You Do, Keep Writing
Some writers are blessed with muses who continuously chuck ideas at us. I’m glad to be that kind of writer. That doesn’t mean it’s easy—the more I learn, the harder I have to work at it. And, sure, I struggle sometimes, but that usually means I need to go read someone else’s writing for a while. Right now, I’m working on a series that flows from one trilogy into another. The first trilogy is something I’ve revised so many times I had to step away from it for a year. Wow, am I glad I did! There’s nothing like revisiting an old project to see how far you’ve improved your craft as a…
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Read a Book and Slow Down
Throughout this blog post, you’ll find inspiring quotes about books, living your dreams, and never giving up. Because I think we all need those reminders, from time to time. Life is often overwhelmingly busy. But, even though time can still fly when immersed in a good book, one thing I love about reading is the way it invites us to slow down and stop worrying. Think about it: you might feel rushed, or like you have to work as fast and as hard as you can for much of the day. On top of that, there may be something out of your control that you’re working towards, but that requires patience. I’ve never…
